Energy Oasis held their Second Annual 5K Race and Fitness Walk Saturday and had nearly double the turnout from last year.

"We had 131 participants in this year’s race. We are still running the numbers, but we will probably end up presenting the International Rett Syndrome Foundation with somewhere close to $5,000," Energy Oasis owner Kathy Ackerman said. "We truly believe that we have a top of the line event that has endless growth potential within this community. Having an athletic event coupled with a festive atmosphere of a band, food, drinks, awards, silent auction and exhibits is a unique combination. We are attempting to show that athletic events can be fun and I think the message got through."

Ackerman said the community had a great showing during this year’s race and she would like to thank all of Richmond Hill for their support.

"This event will be a standard in Richmond Hill," she said. "We plan to continue the growth in every subsequent year. Finding a worthy individual and or group will always be our focus."

The Energy 5K committee selected the International Rett Syndrome Foundation as the beneficiary of the race with Richmond Hill resident Amber Gant, 13, in mind. Gant attends Richmond Hill Middle School and in 2006 alone, she required more than five surgeries for the neurodevelopment disorder Rett Syndrome and will require full-time care for the rest of her life.

"We were very pleased with this year’s support and turn out of the community," Ackerman said. "Richmond Hill has a great habit of coming to the aid of their own and helping support Amber and her family was no exception."

For more information about Energy Oasis and the 5K, call 756-5865 or visit www.energy-oasis.com. For more information about the International Rett Syndrome Foundation, visit www.rettsyndrome.org.